1997 Toyota Camry Noise While Turning

EIGHTMAN32

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
285,000 MILES

Today is November 13, 2008. I noticed about one week ago that I would hear a grinding noise when I turn the steering wheel in both direction, regardless if the car is parked or not. What seems to be the problem? Will I be able to turn the steering wheel with a full turn?

3 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

As the car makes grinding noise in both directions, I suspect that it is your power steering system.

What color is your power steering pump fluid? It should be red as it is supposed to be Dex III ATF. It is written on the cap. Is the reservoir full with fluid? How tight is your belt? A belt that is too tight will make your P/S pump squeal.

Try that first.

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 1:11 AM

EIGHTMAN32

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello Zackman,

I can't really tell if the power steering fluid is red. To me, it is somewhere between slight red to clear, base on what I see on the brim of the reservoir. If the fluid is not red, is this a problem? Do I need to flush the reservoir and replenish it with new power steering fluid? Also, if I do flush the reservoir, does the brakes need to be bled? Additionally, at a hot temperature, the fluid level is very low. I am assuming that if I add more fluid, the noise will go away? Thank you.

Yee

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 1:47 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Well, most Asian import power steering problems have started with consumers mixing regular power steering fluid (designed for domestic vehicles) with OEM recommended fluid, Dexron III ATF, except Hondas which need specially-formulated P/S fluid for Hondas.

Brake system has nothing to do with P/S system. You can bleed your brakes, but that is totally separate issue.

P/S system is not really prone to temperature. Your fluid level should not change dramatically from moderate temperature variation.

Adding the right fluid, in my opinion, helps but will not solve the noise issue. It it were my vehicle, I would flush out the P/S system and put new Dexron II ATF.

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 9:26 PM